Struggles

Watching my children go through struggles is hard for me. I guess it is for most any parent. The things that happen are often because of their own choices but sometimes the choices of others cause problems for my children. When that happens I have a choice to make. Forgive or disobey God.

The most recent hardship came as a five week delay for my youngest son and his family in getting into their home. Imagine seven people staying in a hotel, eating cereal and sandwiches until you are sick of them. Cooking out at the park when you can arrange the time because that is the only place available and then coming back to the room to eat because the flies are so bad you can't open your mouth to eat. The struggles they have gone through have been rough and though we asked God to get them into their home right away, for Him to smooth the way and bless them, He didn't answer in the way we expected or wanted.

I'm learning, again, to trust Him.

The choices we have to make in life very often seem impossible or unfair. We often hear that "Life isn't fair." But God is just and He has our best intrest in mind. Only He knows what is best for us. We know what would be easiest for us or what we think would benefit our families but only our loving Heavenly Father knows what lies ahead for us.

Very often the difficulties we face in life grows us in ways nothing else would. Too during these times we find out what true friendship means. Those who are there for us through the hard times become close to us, like family. Isn't that what God wants for us? To have an extended family who holds each other up both in prayer and with their presence. These times are often testing times when God allows us to struggle so that we will cry out to Him.

Blessings come as we pray for our children. It hurts to see the struggles and it is very hard to forgive those who are the cause. God will bless our obedience and the things we are gaining will go far in His kingdom. Chosing to obey and forgive is what we have to do. Obedience is key to maintaining a close relationship with God. If we desire that close contact with Him we must keep from putting obstacles in the way by disobedience.

When we get a reprieve from struggles we can look back and see that God was there for us. We can see His provision and give thanks for the blessings. Like little children we want what we want and we want it now. But like children sometimes going without or having to wait or hear our Father say no can be a blessing. Trusting in God we can be assured of His blessing.

May His blessing be evident in your life!

Proverbs 3:5-6